JP2001514136A - Outflow device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] An outflow device for a container, comprising a rear first portion (15a), a front second portion (20a), and a mechanism for holding the device integrally with the container. In the non-outflow state, the second portion is airtightly connected to the container, but when the first portion is pressed in use, at least a portion of the second portion transitions from the initial non-outflow state to the second outflow state. Apparatus (5). Release of the first part returns the second part to its original non-spill state. The spill device is preferably used to fill vehicle engine oil. This device includes a tamper mechanism. This outflow device can be used to control the flow rate of oil from the container.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improvement of an outflow device, and more particularly to, but not limited to, a container for a liquid provided with such an outflow device.

[0002] For presently known outflow devices and containers provided with such outflow devices,
There are many problems. For example, a container for engine oil usually has a screw cap that rotates around the threaded neck of the container. In use, the user removes the lid from the container, places the neck of the container on the filler port of the car engine, and allows the oil to flow into the engine. This type of container suffers from the disadvantage that oil can spill out of the container before the neck is accurately placed over the filler port of the engine and while the oil is flowing into the engine. This type of container also suffers from the drawback that it is not easy to regulate the flow rate of oil from the container.

[0003] Furthermore, known containers use an outflow device consisting of a part which can usually be separated into two or more parts, for example a body provided with an outlet, and a removable lid such as a screw lid. If the removable lid is removed from the outflow device, it can happen that the lid is misplaced. Also, known containers often require the use of both hands to facilitate outflow.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate one or more of the above problems with the prior art.

It is another object of at least one embodiment of the present invention to provide an outflow device that does not require a portion of the device to be kept remote during use.

It is another object of at least one embodiment of the present invention to provide a container with an outflow device that allows a user to control the outflow rate of a fluid or liquid from the outflow device. .

Another object of at least one embodiment of the invention is that the outflow device of the container containing the fluid or liquid can be placed in a non-vertical outflow state, for example before the fluid or liquid leaves the container. Another object of the present invention is to provide a container which can be placed on a fluid or liquid receiver at an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the vertical.

In particular, it is an object of at least one embodiment of the present invention for an engine oil to prevent engine oil from spilling while the container is positioned over a filler port of a car engine and in a spill condition. Is to provide a container.

[0009] In particular, another object of at least one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a user with a method for reducing the rate at which oil flows out of a container in order to reduce or prevent spills when the oil flows into a vehicle engine. It is to provide a container for engine oil that can be controlled.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an outflow device for a container, the outflow device holding a first rear portion, a second front portion, and the device integrally with the container. In the first non-outflow state, the second portion is airtightly connected to the container, but when the first portion is pressed in use, at least a part of the second portion is moved from the first non-outflow state to the second portion. To the outflow state.

In use, the components of the outflow device are separated and not placed far apart. Therefore, the components of this device can be prevented from being left behind.

A user of the container provided with the outflow device of the present invention can control the outflow speed of the fluid or liquid from the container. Being able to control the velocity of the fluid or liquid flowing out of the container allows the user to reduce or prevent spillage of the fluid or liquid.

Also, a user of a container equipped with the outflow device of the present invention can place the container in a non-vertical outflow state before any fluid or liquid leaves the container. Thus, this allows the user to prevent the fluid or liquid from flowing out of the container prematurely.

[0014] Advantageously, the first hinge is provided between the first part and the second part.

[0015] The second hinge may be formed at the end of the rearmost part of the first portion.

[0016] The first portion may have a curved planar shape.

[0017] The second portion may be provided with a pivot point away from the first hinge therein.

Thus, when the first portion is pressed during use, the first hinge is bent,
This causes the second portion to rotate about the pivot point, thereby causing at least a portion of the second portion to transition from an initial non-outflow state to a second outflow state.

The pressing of the first part is preferably performed in the first part, preferably in the first part receiving recess.
It is preferable to place the user's thumb or other finger and apply downward pressure.

The device comprises a first body having a first portion and a second portion, and preferably a second body having a mechanism for holding the device integrally with the container. Is advantageous.

It is preferable that the first main body and the second main body form one component.

The first main body and the second main body may be integrally held by a third hinge.

In use, the biasing mechanism may be provided such that when the pressing of the first portion is stopped, the biasing mechanism returns the first portion and the second portion to the initial non-outflow state.

The second portion has a first protrusion and a second protrusion at a pivot point, and the protrusions are the second protrusions.
It can enter into the first dent and the second dent formed corresponding to the main body.

The second part has a sealing mechanism, which forms a seal between the device and the outlet when the second part is in the initial state.

In the first embodiment, the outlet is not formed on this device, but is provided on the container.

In the second embodiment, the outlet is formed on the second main body.

[0028] A sealing mechanism provides an inverted V-shaped slot at the forefront.

This device may include an anti-glug device. Preferably, the anti-glug device is integral with the outflow device.

[0030] The second body may comprise one or more inwardly directed projections or clips, which, in use, cooperate with holes or depressions respectively provided in the container. Then, the device and the container are integrally held.

The device may comprise a tamper mechanism, for example a fragile tamper projection provided between the first or second part and the second body, wherein the first pressing of the first part cuts the projection. I do. Preferably, the tamper mechanism is clearly visible to the user.

The device may also provide a fragile temporary obturator, for example, a fragile seal between the first body and the second body, the seal being broken by the pressing of the second portion. .

The device may also provide a locking mechanism to lock the front second portion in a non-outflow state. This locking mechanism can prevent leakage from the container when the container is transported or stored.

[0034] The device can be made of molded plastic.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container provided with an outflow device according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0036] The container may include a handle. The container may have more than one handle.

In use, the user can hold the container with one hand and press the first part of the device with the thumb or other finger of the hand so that the second part is in the second state And drain the contents of the container. Therefore, the container of the present invention can be used with only one hand.

The container is suitable for containing liquids, especially viscous liquids.

This container is suitable for containing liquid hydrocarbons, for example oil, especially engine oil.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of draining contents from a container, the container comprising an outflow device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the method comprising: Holding the container in one hand and pressing the first part with the thumb or other finger of the hand and releasing the first part while tilting the container to drain at least a portion of the contents of the container, It becomes.

Upon release of the first part, it is advantageous to return the second part to the first non-spill state, thereby closing the container.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: In that case,

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view of a first embodiment of an outflow device according to the present invention, the device being attached to a container and assembled in an initial non-outflow state.

FIG. 2 is a plan view, partly in section, of the outflow device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view from above one side of the outflow device in FIG. 1 and is in an exploded state.

FIG. 4 (A) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the outflow device of FIG. 1, where the device is initially in a non-outflow state.

FIG. 4 (B) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the outflow device of FIG. 1, where the device has been assembled into a second outflow condition.

FIG. 5 is a partial rearward perspective view of one of the outflow devices of FIG. 1, with the device attached to a container and in an initial condition.

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the outflow device of FIG. 1 toward one side and rearward, wherein the device is attached to a container and is in a second outflow state.

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of the outflow device of FIG. 1 toward the other side and forward, wherein the device is attached to a container and is in a second outflow state.

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the second embodiment of the present invention directed to one side and rearward.
There, the device is attached to the container and is in its first non-spill state.

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of the outflow device of FIG. 8 toward the other side and forward, where the device is attached to a container and is in a second outflow state.

FIG. 10 is a partial rearward perspective view of one side of the outflow device of FIG. 8 where the device is attached to a container and is in a second outflow state.

FIG. 11 is a cut-away side view of a third embodiment of the outflow device according to the present invention,
There, the device has been assembled and is in its first non-spill state.

FIG. 12 is a vertical sectional view of the outflow device of FIG. 11, wherein the device has been assembled into a second outflow condition.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of one side upward of the outflow device of FIG. 11 in an exploded state.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the outflow device in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the outflow device of FIG. 11 in an initial state.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view from the upper side to the rear side of one side of the outflow device in FIG. 11 in an initial state.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7, there is shown a first embodiment of the outflow device of the present invention, in which the entire device of the present invention is indicated by 5a, Installed. The outflow device 5a comprises a rear first portion 15a, a front second portion 20a, and means for holding the device 5a integrally with the container 10a, wherein in the first non-outflow state A the second portion is provided. Although 20a is airtightly connected to the container 10a, when the first portion 15a is pressed during use, at least a portion of the second portion 20a transitions from the initial state A to the second outflow state B.

[0061] A first pivot hinge 25a is provided between the first portion 15a and the second portion 20a. Further, a second pivot hinge 30a is attached to the rearmost end of the first portion 15a. The first portion 15a has a curved (arc-shaped) flat shape,
The second portion 20a is provided with a pivot point 35a at a position away from the first hinge 25a.

For this reason, in use, when the first portion 15a is pressed, the first hinge 25a bends, whereby the second portion 20a pivots around the pivot point 35a. At least a portion is moved from the first non-outflow state A to the second outflow state B.

In this embodiment, the device 5a comprises a first body 40a having a first part 15a and a second part 20a, and a second body comprising means for holding the device 5a integrally with the container 10a. And a main body 45a. The first main body 40a and the second main body 45a are integrally held by a third hinge 50a.

In use, when the pressing of the first portion 15 a is stopped, the formed spring 55 a
The bias mechanism having the shape of (1) moves the first portion 15a and the second portion 20a to return to the initial non-outflow state A.

The second portion 20 a has a first protrusion 60 a and a second protrusion 65 a at a pivot point 35 a, and the protrusions 60 a and 65 a correspond to the corresponding first recesses 70 provided in the second main body 45 a.
a and the second recess 75a.

Further, the second part 20a has a sealing mechanism 80a, and when the second part 20a is in the initial state A, the sealing mechanism 80a creates a seal between the device 5a and the outlet hole 85a. . In this embodiment, the outflow hole 85a is not formed on the device 5a, but is provided on the container 10a. However, in a modification such as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 to 16, the outflow hole 85a is formed on the second main body 45a.

In the first embodiment, the sealing mechanism 80a has the shape of a truncated cone, and has an inverted V-shaped slot 90a at the forefront thereof.

The second body 45a includes a plurality of inwardly directed protrusions or clips 95a,
In use, the projections or clips 95a are fitted with holes or depressions 10 formed in the container 10a.
0a, respectively, to hold the device 5a and the container 10a together.

The device 5a provides a tamper mechanism, the tamper mechanism comprising a first part 15a (or a second part 2).
0a) and the fragile tamper protrusion 105a formed between the second main body 45a and the first pressing of the first portion 15a cuts the tamper protrusion 105a.

Further, the device 5a is provided with a brittle temporary obturator comprising a brittle seal 110a between the first main body 40a and the second main body 45a, and the seal 110a
It is broken by the pressing of the portion 20a.

The device 5a may be made of one suitable plastic molding.

In use, the user holds the container 10a with one hand using the handle 115a,
The first part 15a of the device 5a is pressed with the thumb or other finger of the hand, thereby moving the second part 20a to the second state B and allowing the contents of the container 10a to drain.

When the first portion 15a is opened by installing the spring 55a, the second portion 20
a returns to the initial non-outflow state A, thereby closing the container 10a.

Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, there is shown a second embodiment of the outflow device 5 b of the present invention mounted on a container 10. Each part of the device 5b
This can be confirmed by the same numbers used in the example device 5a, but with "b" instead of "a".

The device 5b has a tamper band 120b on the second part 20b and the second body part 45b, which is broken when the device 5b is used for the first time, but the second part 2
0b.

Finally, referring to FIGS. 11 to 16, there is shown a third embodiment of the outflow device 5c of the present invention mounted on a container 10c. Each part of the device 5c can be identified by the same numerical value as that used in the device 5a of the first embodiment, where "c" is appended instead of "a".

The device 5c is similar in many respects to the device 5a. However, the device 5c includes a molded spring 55c of another shape, and further includes an outflow hole 85c integrally formed on the second main body 45c.

The embodiments of the present invention described so far have been shown by way of example, and it is needless to say that the scope of the present invention is not limited in any way.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view of an outflow device according to the present invention attached to a container and in a non-outflow state.

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the outflow device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the outflow device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is a schematic sectional view of the outflow device shown in FIG. 1 in a non-outflow state. FIG. 2B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the outflow device shown in FIG. 1 in an outflow state.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the outflow device shown in FIG. 1 in a first non-outflow state.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the outflow device shown in FIG. 1 in an outflow state.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the outflow device shown in FIG. 1 in an outflow state.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another outflow device according to the present invention attached to a container and in a non-outflow state.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the outflow device shown in FIG. 8 in an outflow state.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the outflow device shown in FIG. 8 in an outflow state.

FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a further outflow device according to the present invention in a non-outflow state.

FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of the outflow device shown in FIG. 11 in an outflow state.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the outflow device shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the outflow device shown in FIG. 11 as viewed from the side opposite to FIG. 13;

15 is a side view of the outflow device shown in FIG. 11 in an initial state.

16 is a perspective view of the outflow device shown in FIG. 11 in an initial state.

[Procedural Amendment] Submission of translation of Article 34 Amendment of the Patent Cooperation Treaty

[Submission date] March 2, 2000 (200.3.2)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Claims]

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of front page (81) Designated country EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE ), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, SD, SZ, UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CU, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, GB, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP , KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, UA, UG, US, UZ, VN, YU, ZWF term (reference) 3E084 AA05 AA12 AB04 BA03 BA05 CA03 CB02 CC03 DA03 DB13 DC03 EA04 EB02 EC03 FA03 FA09 FC09 GA07 GA08 GB07 GB12 GB16 KA12 KB01 LA01 LA18 LB02 LB07 [Continuation of summary]

Claims (29)

[Claims] 1. An outflow device for a container, comprising: a first portion at the rear and a second portion at the front.
Part, and a mechanism for holding the device integrally with the container, wherein the second part is airtightly connected to the container in the first non-outflow state, but in use, when the first part is pressed, the second part is pressed. Wherein at least a portion of the device transitions from an initial non-outflow state to a second outflow state. 2. The outflow device according to claim 1, wherein the first hinge is provided between the first part and the second part. 3. The outflow device according to claim 1, wherein the second hinge is formed at a rearmost end of the first portion. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first portion is a curved planar shape.
The outflow device according to any one of claims 1-3. 5. The outflow according to claim 2, wherein the second part is provided with a pivot point away from the first hinge therein. apparatus. 6. The outflow device according to claim 1, wherein the first portion has a recess for receiving a thumb or other finger. 7. An apparatus comprising: a first body having a first portion and a second portion; and, more preferably, a second body having a mechanism for holding the device integrally with the container. The outflow device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it is characterized by: 8. The outflow device according to claim 7, wherein the first main body and the second main body are integrally held by a third hinge. 9. When the pressing of the first portion is stopped during use, the bias mechanism
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first and second parts are returned to an initial non-outflow state.
Item 8. The outflow device according to any one of Items 8 to 8. 10. The second portion has a first protrusion and a second protrusion at a pivot point, and the protrusions fit into corresponding first and second recesses formed in the second body. Outflow device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that it can be plugged. 11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second part has a sealing mechanism and the sealing mechanism forms a seal between the device and the outlet when the second part is in the first state. Outflow device according to any one of 7-10. 12. The outflow device according to claim 7, wherein the outflow hole is formed on the second main body. 13. The outflow device according to claim 11, wherein the sealing mechanism has an inverted V-shaped slot at its foremost portion. 14. The outflow device according to claim 1, wherein the outflow device further comprises an anti-gragging device, the anti-gragging device preferably being integral with the outflow device.
3. The outflow device according to any one of the above items 3. 15. The second body portion includes one or more inwardly directed protrusions or clips, which in use cooperate with respective holes or recesses provided in the container. Wherein the device and the container are integrally held,
An outflow device according to any one of claims 7-14. 16. The device further comprising a tamper mechanism.
The outflow device according to any one of claims 1 to 15. 17. A tamper mechanism comprising a tamper projection provided between the first portion or the second portion and the second body, wherein the first pressing of the first portion causes the projection to cut. An outflow device according to claim 16. 18. The outflow device according to claim 1, wherein the device further comprises a frangible temporary obturator. 19. The fragile temporary obturator is at least one fragile seal between the first body and the second body, wherein the seal is broken by the pressing of the second portion. The outflow device according to claim 18, characterized in that it is characterized by: 20. An outflow device according to claim 1, wherein the device is made of a plastic molding. 21. A container comprising the outflow device according to any one of claims 1-20. 22. The container according to claim 21, wherein the container has an integral handle. 23. The container according to claim 21, wherein the outflow hole is provided on the container. 24. The container according to claim 2, wherein the container can be used with only one hand.
24. The container according to 1, 22, or 23. 25. Container according to any one of claims 21 to 24, characterized in that the container is suitable for containing a liquid or a fluid, in particular a viscous liquid or a fluid. 26. The method according to claim 2, wherein the liquid is a liquid hydrocarbon.
6. The container according to 5. 27. The container according to claim 26, wherein the liquid hydrocarbon is engine oil. 28. Holding the container in one hand and pressing the first part with the thumb or other finger of the hand while tilting the container to drain at least a portion of the contents of the container, and then the first part 28. A method for draining contents from a container according to any one of claims 21 to 27, comprising releasing the container. 29. Releasing the first portion returns the second portion to its initial non-spill state;
29. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that the container is closed.